Constructing PolyLines
A PolyLine is a drawing entity that consists of connected Lines or connected arc segments. You can create PolyLines with segments of different widths and fill settings. The default segment type for a PolyLine is a linear segment.
After you create a PolyLine, you can modify it using various methods.
- Use grip points to move, add, or delete vertices. Additionally, you can convert straight segments into arcs and viceversa.
- Use the EditPolyLine command to change the width of the whole PolyLine and tapering the entire PolyLine. Additionally, you can open a closed PolyLine or close an open PolyLine.
Note: The Properties palette groups several options for modifying PolyLines.
Using LineStyles with PolyLines
You can specify how PolyLine segments are drawn around the vertices of the PolyLine.
To construct PolyLines:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify options for the next segment:
- Specify the segment end point.
- Do one:
- Specify each successive segment according to steps 3 and 4.
- After specifying at least two segments, specify the Close option to create a closed PolyLine, or press Enter.
![](../shared_images/command_pline_1.png)
To create a filled segment while creating a PolyLine:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Width option.
- Type the start width of the segment.
- Type the end width of the segment.
- Specify the segment end point.
![](../shared_images/command_pline_1w.png)
The end width you specify persists for each subsequent PolyLine segment until you change it by specifying the Width option.
To specify an arc segment of a PolyLine from three points:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Arc option.
- Specify the Through point option.
- Specify the through point and arc end point.
To specify an arc segment of a PolyLine from a center point:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Arc option.
- Specify the Center option.
- Specify the arc center point.
- Specify the arc end point or specify an option:
- Angle. Specify an angle.
- Length. Specify a chord length.
To specify an arc segment of a PolyLine from a radius and three points:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Arc option.
- Specify the Radius option.
- Specify the arc radius and end point.
To specify an arc segment of a PolyLine from a radius, angle, chord direction, and two points:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Arc option.
- Specify the Radius option.
- Specify the arc radius.
- Specify the Angle option.
- Specify an included angle.
- In the graphics area, specify the chord direction and arc end point.
To specify an arc segment of a PolyLine from an angle from the start point along with an end point:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Arc option.
- Specify the Angle option.
- Type a positive or negative angle value.
- Specify the arc end point or specify an option:
- Center. Lets you specify the arc center point.
- Radius. Lets you specify the radius and chord direction.
To specify an arc segment of a PolyLine from a tangent direction from the start point along with an end point:
- Click Draw > PolyLine (or type PolyLine).
- In the graphics area, specify the start point for the first segment of the PolyLine.
- Specify the Arc option.
- Specify the Direction option.
- In the graphics area, specify the tangent direction for the start point of the arc and the arc end point.
Command: PolyLine
Menu: Draw > PolyLine